Sheridan Road kicks off the wedding season by following the stories behind three North Shore couples on the happiest day of their lives. With the guidance of Rachel Bradley Events, these pairs found that their happily ever after began with one flawless day.

 

Libby Connelly & Russell Mason

Photography by KingenSmith

The Ceremony

The ceremony was at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest and was followed by a seaside-themed tented reception at Shoreacres in Lake Bluff last August.

The Couple

Libby and Russ have been together for 10 years, meeting first at a fraternity party at their shared alma mater, Southern Methodist University.

The Proposal

Russ bent down on one knee overlooking the Hudson River in Battery Park, after a day at the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament in New York.

The Bride

Libby wore Vera Wang, accented with Manolo Blahnik heels, with her bridesmaids in Jenny Woo.

The Wedding Day

The day started off dreary with storms looming, but the clouds parted when guests arrived at the club, greeted by a shimmering Lake Michigan dotted with sailboats.

The Honeymoon

The couple relaxed on the beaches of Maui and Kauai.

 

Jenna Gustafson & Ryan Long

Photography by Elan Photography

The First Date

Jenna and Ryan attended Miami University in Ohio—another infamous “Miami Merger”—which led to a first date of ice cream and a viewing of the movie Serendipity.

The Wedding

On a record-high warm day last October at St. Joseph’s in the city, the couple celebrated with a purple and chocolate-themed reception at the Peninsula.

The Proposal

Ryan popped the question during a romantic dinner while vacationing in South Beach, later traveling on to share the exciting news with the bride’s family, who was also vacationing in Florida.

The Guests

Party-goers were treated to dancing to the tunes of Indigo in between courses of the gourmet dinner, which included jumbo prawns, grilled filet, and seared sea bass.

The Bride

Jenna wore Ulla-Maija, and on her finger, a custom-designed round brilliant three-stone engagement ring and diamond eternity band.

The Party

Dancing went well into the night, as guests retired to the Peninsula’s Aviator Room, enjoying bar games like foosball and pool, and noshed on mini-hamburgers and mini-milkshakes.

 

Jessica Margot & Dante Federighi

Photography by Garbo Productions

The Ceremony

Jessica and Dante married at the Peninsula on Sunday in July, in a “simply perfect” setting, flanked by the pair’s loved ones.

The Bride

Jessica wore an elegant gown by Winnie Couture, and a custom-designed engagement and wedding band.

The Groom

Dante wore a custom-designed white dinner jacket and a Cartier wedding band.

The Guests

Friends and family enjoyed the sunny day setting by spending time on the terrace and dancing the afternoon away.

The Menu

Guests dined on a non-traditional Sunday Brunch buffet.

The Honeymoon

The couple explored Italy for three weeks.

 

All events produced by Rachel Bradley Events, 312-642-4483, or visit www.rachelbradleyevents.com.

—Stacy Flannery